Sunburn in children -- the Aberdeen experience

Sun exposure in children is known to be a risk factor for the development of malignant melanoma in later life. The incidence of melanoma in the UK is increasing more rapidly than that of most other malignant tumours and there is now increasing awareness in adults of the necessity to protect against over-exposure and sunburn. However sun protection of children in the UK is generally less than optimum and it would appear that parents and children are unaware of the long-term risks of over-exposure to the sun. This study demonstrates significant morbidity from sunburn even in the temperate climes of the north-east of Scotland. It is suggested that strategies to reduce melanoma incidence should begin at an early age with preventative education for children, their parents, carers and teachers.